A coffee, a meet and greet and a quick overview from one of our team on the challenge ahead. You’ll be fueled up and ready for your ascent of kunanyi (Mt Wellington).

Mt Wellington Ascent – Road Bikes

Itinerary

Depart: McVilly Cafe and Cycles

Depart McVilly Cafe and Cycles with a coffee and meet our team where you’ll be fitted up to your trusty road bike, helmet and bidon. You will be given expert directions and advice on the challenge ahead as well as receiving the map to guide you on your way.

1. Cascade Brewery

Cascade Brewery is one of the most photographed spots in Hobart and we suggest you stop and do the same. Established in 1824, this gorgeous gothic sandstone building is the oldest operating brewery in Australia

2. The Springs

At mid-altitude, and roughly half way up, there is a sheltered picnic area which is a perfect place to catch your breath and take in some of the Mountain wildlife. You can also find another shipping container café called Lost Freight, we applaud copious consumption of bean love!

3. Summit

The last 2km of your 1270m altitude ascent may be some of the hardest but it is definitely the most rewarding. The view off to the left of Hobart and the southern east coast is simply breathtaking. Featuring the Tasmanian bridge and greater Hobart, on a clear day the view is as good as your eyesight can make it.

4. The Descent

The descent off Mt Wellington is 22km of winding switchbacks. On a sunny clear day this descent can be the most fun you have had on two wheels. BEWARE though, it’s a dual carriage way and many vehicles including buses are making their way up the Mountain. Like with any Mountain the weather needs a lot of respect. It can change quickly and can get very cold and/or very wet in a short period of time. Make sure to read our must do’s for this trip to make sure you are ready for this fun and exciting descent.

Tassie Mt Biking is not much different to anywhere else on the planet when it comes to what you need when you’re on the trails. Below is a list of essentials for any ride…

First a hydration pack! It needs to have a reservoir that can hold enough water for the length of your ride!

As a basic guide:

1.5 litres = 1-2hour

2 Litres = 2 – 4 hours

3 litres = 4 hours plus

The next thing is a good backpack with enough storage to fit the list below. We recommend a minimum of a 9 litre capacity pack unless you are only doing a short 1 hour ride. A good 9 litre pack like a Camelbak Lobo will fit everything below and up to 3 litres of water.

Spare tubes and patches – Be sure to bring a minimum of two spare tubes, you’re unlucky if you get a double flat, but they happen, so don’t spoil a day buy deciding to only take one tube. Further a patch kit is super light weight and takes up no room – get one and carry it just in case.

CO2 cartridges and a Tyre pump – A couple of canisters and a small tyre pump is a must.

Multi-tool, tyre leaver, basic tools – A Multi-tool and a tyre leaver is another essential. They are small compact and a dead set day saver for incremental repairs on the day. The basic tool set is easy too.

Shock pump – A Shock pump is another good light item to chuck in your daypack for longer Mt Bike sessions where you are going to be a long way from the car park or help.

Derailleur hanger – One of the most common mechanicals after a puncture is actually busting a Derailleur Hanger. These are cheap and easy to swap out with a multi-tool.

Chain link and lube – Riding in Tasmania you are going to get some epic river and stream crossings. A small container or lube and a rag can come in handy, wrap the lube in a rag and use a rubber band. A spare chain link and a chain breaker will also be one of those things that will one day come as a day saver!

Cash – You can take your card also but cash is king! Take enough for at least a 6 pack and a new tyre.

Food! – Gels, bars, snacks – It’s where energy comes from.

Phone – Accidents happen that need urgent assistance, having a phone with RECEPTION is important. If the reception is lousy then an agreed arrival time – or a call time once back in reception is a great way to stay safe.

Sun screen, lip balm & a mini first aid kit – It may not be smouldering hot but one thing the Tassie sun can do is burn your skin to a crisp! Sun screen and a SPF lip balm is a must, even on a cloudy day. A mini first aid kit is recommended as you never know when it may be of use.

Warm / weather proof gear – You can buy small compact rain jackets and even water proof pants. The weather can change pretty quickly so something to keep you warm is also always a good idea.

Zip-ties, foldable knife and electrical / duct tape – With these three items you can possible rebuild your entire bike! Not really… but guaranteed it will get you out of trouble and help you get home!

Some other optional extras:

Foldable wood saw – you never know what your going to come across whilst out on the trails – a folding saw can come in super handy as you can get rid of the fallen branch across the trail so everyone else can have a rad day.

Trail tool and toilet paper – Trail tool to fix up the trail along the way and toilet paper…you know what for.